A Running Fantasy

In giving my post some thought from TMI Tuesday, about the fact that I don't have a fantasy. Well, truth is I don't have a big fantasy, but I have a bunch of little ones. If I really wanted to have fun and enjoy myself, I think this would be perfect:

1. I would like to run with Michelle, as long as she doesn't take me on a twenty miler :-)
2. I would like to bike with the Princesses: Jessica, Regan, Aleks, Danielle.
3. I would like to run the beautiful trails with Darrel that I hear so much about and long to see on my own.
4. I would love to have my little toe in the same water as IronWil and Trisaratops.
5. Finally, I would like to cook with Rose, then go for a run so her wonderful hubby could meet us and give us something to drink. Rose, Rose, wherefore art thou? :-)

That would be a good start. There are so many of you I would luv to meet in person. Now, how can I fit all these places into one road trip, LOL.

Finish strong!

Wes

Ole

Today was special. Not only did I have the usual hectic schedule of picking up and dropping my sons off at two different parks, 20 miles apart, with a measley 45 minutes to get back and pick up Matthew, my 10 year old, but #1 son's practice was CANCELLED AND NOBODY FREAKIN TOLD ME. K. I feel better now.

With regular frequency, we found ourselves in the mexican restaurant for dinner. Is Mexican food healthy? LOL. The waitress should have come by and asked me if I wanted some enchiladas, rice, and beans to go along with the basket of chips and salsa I ate while waiting on my food. In truth, I didn't eat the WHOLE basket by myself. #1 son ate one or two chips. I passed on most of the beans and ate a little of the rice, but I was fairly full when I got home.

Sat on the couch and digested my food for about an hour. Auburn is playing South Carolina and they are trying real hard to let SC back in this game big time. At half time, I strapped on the twin wonders and went out for my recovery run. I'm a little sore from the long run yesterday morning, but I felt like I could handle it just fine, and I did. I started out slow and easy and did a 12:30 minute mile for the first two miles. I told myself I would like to walk up the last big hill on mile three, so I picked it up a little for my last mile. When I arrived at the last big hill I said, Nah! Screw it!! I ran the entire three miles and finished almost exactly in thirty six minutes for a 12 minute average.

Did I mention it was 10 PM when I got back :-) All I have to do now is empty the dishwasher, wash three loads of clothes, shower, and wait for Dee Dee to get home. The good news it was a nice cool night. I wore my long sleeve technical shirt. I was nice and comfy and warm! It was good.

Finish strong!

Wes

ORN: 3 miles, 12 minute miles, recovery pace (?), all run!!

A Century of being Humble

Today is a momentous day for me. I have completed over 100 miles of running. I am humbled. 100 miles. 9 pounds. Big improvement in my acid reflux. My personal life is moving along at an amazing, yet satisfying clip.

For the first time in a long time, I got to run in the morning. Dee Dee wasn't feeling good last night, so I had to go work at the restaurant. It was trivia night. I ended up having to close and didn't get home till midnight. After Dee Dee and I talked for an hour, we got in bed around 1 AM, which didn't leave much time for sleep. The alarm clock goes off at 5:45 AM every morning for us.

I decided to play hooky from work. Not really intentionally. My acid reflux has been acting up, preventing me from sleeping, and I'm just exhausted, mentally, and there are a ton of loose ends I need to tie up for the family that have been taking a back burner to all the other stuff we've had going on.

Dee Dee dragged me out of bed at 9ish or so. Willingly of course. She wanted me to run with her. I asked her before we left if she was up for a 6 mile run, and she agreed. Off on the long route we went. Running with Dee Dee is always fun for me, as her pace suits me just fine. The air was cool. The sun was shining. The day was simply brilliant.

I felt strong. My body is really shaping up nicely. On a flatter course, I could have easily done another mile or two or three, but we'll save that for the appropriate time. I ended up getting my route mixed up. So the total distance for me was 6.5 miles. Too bad! LOL. It was all good. For now, I'm happy to get my first six and a half in and sit back and rethink what these last two months have meant to me. I'm a runner. I can do six plus miles. Yea, that's cool.

Finish strong!

Wes

ORN: 6.5 miles, 1:23:40, 13 minute miles, endurance run, R7/W1

It's Howdy Doody Time!

Buffalo Bob: Hello, Kids! Do you know what time it is?

Kids: It's Howdy Doody time!!

(Music) It's Howdy Doody time. It's Howdy Doody time....

Howdy Doody: Howdy, Kids! It's Howdy Doody time! Today is a special day. And do you know why it is a special day? It's Tuesday!! It's Too Much Information Tuesday to be exact. Our special guest for today's show is Mr. Wes. Can you say Howdy! to Mr. Wes?

Kids: Howdy, Mr. Wes!!

Howdy Doody: Now, before we begin today's question and answer session, I want to warn you kids that if you do not like moderately sexual topics or some stuff that can be downright gross, then you need to turn your web browser to a new channel. Right Clarabelle?

Clarabelle: Honk!

Howdy Doody: I'm sure Mr. Wes will answer the questions with the style and aplomb to which we have become accustomed. Right, Clarabelle?

Clarabelle: Honk!

Howdy Doody: Since Mr. Wes doesn't make up the questions, we won't hold him responsible for the actual questions, will we Clarabelle?

Clarabelle: Honk! Honk!

Howdy Doody: As long as Mr. Wes keeps it PG, then everyone will be good to go. OK? So here we go.

1. What's the longest you've ever gone without a shower?

Well, when I was in the army, we used to go to the field for extended periods of time, and they did not make shower facilities available to us in the fields of Germany. So, I would say probably a week, by which time I was very ripe!

2. Do you use a q-tip? If so, how often?

I have a couple of times. Last time I did, it actually irritated the crap out of my ears and drove me crazy for a week or so. When we were diagnosing my acid reflux, I went to the doctor, and they cleaned my ears out, and it were just gross. I think we got lint, wax, and a spare tire out of one of the ears. LOL.

3. Do you have any piercings, if so where? Any for sexual purposes?

Absolutely not. If you learn anything about me, I believe the natural body is beautiful, and there are very few bodies that I have felt were not beautiful. I hate it when people mar a work of art with piercings and tatoos.

4. Oral sex... give or receive?

Ahhh, a topic for us older kids. As long as the sexual technique is not painful to me or my partner, I am open to pretty much anything.

5. Sex while on the period... ick?

Again, I believe in the beauty of the natural body and all of its functions. That is why blood, vomit, periods, urination, whatever doesn't phase me in the slightest. If it is natural for my partner and me to engage in sexual activity at a given time, than that is what we do. None of that other stuff matters. And no, we don't introduce blood, vomit, urination, yada yada into our sexual activities. I meant like in the normal course of human endeavors, if I come across those things, they don't bother me.

Bonus (as in optional): Tell me your fantasy... details!

I've been thinking about this a lot today, and I realized that over the years, I guess I really haven't developed a fantasy. I'm going to go get started on one right away.

Howdy Doody: Well! That's all we have time for today kids. Let's show Mr. Wes a resounding Howdy Doody good-bye!!

Kids: Good bye! Good bye!!!

Clarabelle: Honk, Honk, Hoooooonk!!


I honestly have no idea who makes up these questions. I guess its the folks over at http://tmituesday.blogspot.com. So far, I seem to be weathering the worst questions OK, but I'm sure they'll ask one someday that I won't answer. What does that say about me? :-)

Feeling pretty good today. I'm gonna go ahead and try for a long slow six miles. We'll see how it goes. If I don't think I can make it, I'll either walk or turn back early. Happy TMI Tuesday!!

Finish strong,

Wes

Seasons are Changing

I, once again, find myself in a strange, almost melancholy mood today. No doubt this mood is prodded along by the change in season and the busy schedule I have been on lately. My god, these past two weeks just seem like such a blur. The cycle of work, restaurant, Dee Dee, kids, soccer, refereeing just seems to all blend together these days, and I'm feeling the need to come up for air.

This past weekend was no exception. I was up at 7:15 or so on Saturday to fix bugs in the software we are writing. At 10:30 AM I was at the soccer fields watching Matthew play against a local Roswell team. He had his second game at 12 PM, but I had to leave before it was finished because I had a U-16 Boys Classic I game to ref at 1 PM. The game went well. I held up well, and I got in around 80 minutes of non-continuous running. I even saved some strength for the U-13 Athena A game I did at four o'clock. I know the girls appreciated it.

I spent Saturday night at the restaurant. Dee Dee thought she was going to be short handed. Matthew was spending the night out, so I abandoned his older brother at home with pizza and went up to the store to make sure everything was covered. After work, Dee Dee and I went out to unwind and have a few drinks. We ended up at the biggest country bar in North Georgia. I believe, to my recollection, that that is the first time I have ever been in a country bar. I must say, and this is no insult to the rest of the world, the country girl's in the South are mighty fine, and the men aren't too shabby either. I can't remember the last time I saw so many beautiful people in one place, having a good time. Amazing.

Sunday, we were up at 9 AM to get to the fields by 10 AM. I was centering the same U-16 team from the day before. We promptly got soaking wet 10 minutes into the game when the skys opened up. I had to red card a young man 12 minutes into the second half. My day was not starting off very well. I went home and passed out, then headed back to the fields for a 6 PM and 8 PM adult games. The 6PM game went off fine. We were promptly drenched again, this time before the game started. However, God was smiling on me. The 8 PM game was cancelled, and #1 and I were home early, and got paid for both games to boot!

So, what do y'all think? Is 250 minutes of centering soccer equal to a long run? LOL. I want to do six tomorrow, but I'm not sure if that is a good idea or not. I'm sore today, but not to the point where I am limping or anything. I'll probably take my long route and play it by ear, since I have so many options on mileage.

I enjoyed catching up on all of your blogs this morning. Everyone take care and finish strong!

Wes

BTW: Stupid bike still isn't fixed.

Looking Forward, Stepping Back

Now that I have accomplished my first goal, the 5K, my thoughts increasingly turn to the 10K I have scheduled for October 22. The race could not be more ideal. This one will be much larger than the first run I did. It is located in the quant town of Alpharetta, which is just north of Roswell (that's 12 o'clock north of Atlanta). The headquarters of the run is in a Mariott. So, I'm expecting it to be a big deal. The run kicks off at 6:30 AM (yuk) on a Sunday (double yuk). The good news is that it fits perfectly into my schedule. As an added bonus, Dee Dee has decided that she is going to go with me! Woo hoo!

My Thursday just turned into a mess. I really need to keep a bag packed with my running stuff in the car. By the time I got done with soccer practice, fed the boys, and got home, it was 10:00 PM. I was feeling like crap from my leg being sore all day, and I just didn't have it in me to head out to the street. Mistake #1. So I decided to get on the treadmill. Mistake #2. I went for a three mile run on the treadmill. This is the first time I have touched it since I have been on this journey. I did NOT like it. Running on the treadmill is so boring. It's no wonder I gave it up so many times in the past. There were a couple of things I did like about running on the treadmill though. First, it was very easy to do negative splits :-) Just make it go faster. Second, I was able to control my heart rate in the same manner. No up and down roller coaster like I get when I run on the road. On the same note, there was no variety. Just monotnous plodding along. I will definitely keep the treadmill as a backup. I luv the road.

Oh, and the muscle pain? No doubt due to stiffness and tightness in my quads from walking up that damn hill known as Ass-Kicker on Tuesday. After my run, I felt great and have the rest of this week. Busy, busy weekend comming up. Lot's of games to ref. Matthew has a couple of games to play.

As a side note, Dee Dee's father is not doing well. This is not a sudden thing, but rather a gradual culmination of a wonderful life. She is hurting and scared. Keep her and her father in y'alls prayers.

Finish strong!

Wes

ORN: 3 miles, 38 minutes, recovery pace, R 1 mile/W 1 minute

Delayed Onset Weirdness

On my run Tuesday, I felt fine. As a matter of fact, I could really tell the difference that running nothing but three miles at a time for the last week or so had made in the strength of my legs. When I got done, I felt really good, and I know I could have easily gone on for a full six or seven miles.

Yesterday, I felt fine too. I was a little tired from burning the candles at both ends, but that ain't nothin new. I had a normal hectic day at work as we get ready for a software release, then I spent my usual four hours at the restaurant, holding down the fort.

So I get out of the car this morning at work, and I'll be hanged if my right leg just doesn't hurt, and I'm not really sure where it came from or what is causing it. At first, I thought it was the hip flexor or ITB which is acting a little sore, but now it is my hamstring that is throbbing a little bit. This is just weird and I hope it doesn't affect my run tonight.

What do you guys think? Am I getting old? Or is this normal?

Finish strong!

Wes

Thirty Minutes Shmirty Minutes

Last night I just needed to run. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I didn't get through eating dinner until 8:30 PM. Then Dee Dee calls to tell me store #2 is in a death spiral. *sigh* More headaches. I didn't get out the door until 9:45 PM. The good news is that the weather is cool. The bad news, as I have just discovered, is the weather is cool.

Ya see, being a runner with acid reflux is no fun. As a defense mechanism, the body makes your nose run. They gave me medicine to help control this, but it is only partially successful at best. When I run in cold weather, I have a near constant stream of stuff running down the back of the my throat, kicking off my gag reflex and crap like that. What a pain! Truth is, I don't really care. I sound like a constipated bull frog sometimes, and I look like I just lost his best friend when I run, but again. I don't care. I'm gonna run, and I have no shame :-)

So, last night I just took off on my long route. This route gives me the option of choosing anything between three and five miles. There is nothing like running with a belly full of enchiladas and refried beans. I only took three walk breaks, which included not stopping at all for the last mile and a half or so, not even for Mount Doom, or its cousin. One of the things I learned at my 5K is that I can get stressed and out of breath going up the hills, but if I run right on the other side, I can recover without walking. So much for my thirty minute run.

Learning something new is cool.

Finish strong,

Wes

ORN: 4.3 miles, 51 minutes, normal pace, 11:37 per mile

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Wha...What? Oh! It's time to wake up again and get back to the real world. I've been resting. Last week was a hell of a week, culminating in my first 5K and a 90 minute Women's Division I match on Sunday. I also had to work at the restaurant for 9 hours on Saturday, getting home around 11:30 PM. No rest for the wicked! Lucky for you, it's TMI Tuesday. I know you are as excited as I am. Here we go:

1. Have you ever shared sleeping accommodations with someone of the oposite sex without anything steamy happening?

I sleep with Dee Dee all the time without anything steamy happening. However, if you are referring to someone I am not married to or before I was married, then no. I never spent the night with anyone other than Dee Dee and not have anything steamy happen.

2. Have you eve streaked, flashed, or otherwise partially or totally exposed yourself in public before (or after) an informal, unofficial gathering of people?

Once, when I was about 8 or 9, my mom got mad at me for something I did out in the yard. She chased me out of the bath tub, butt naked, and made me go out in the yard and fix it up. At the time it was a very embarrassing thing for me, and a very immature thing for her to do. Now that I think about it, I wish I had struted my stuff for the neighbors, LOL. Hope you read this Mom! Revenge is sweet after 32 +/- years.

3. Have you had dates with multiple people in the same weekend (or consecutive nights or the same night) while not all of your dates were aware of your actions?

When I was dating, eighteen some odd years ago, I did have multiple dates with multiple people on the same weekend. Since non of the afore mentioned ladies were my girlfriend, I didn't see the point of complicating anything. Dee Dee was not one of them.

4. What is the most "romantic" you have ever gotten in a movie theater?

Holding hands. The movie theater is not a place for me to get all hot and bothered. Nope. Doesn't interest me in the slightest.

5. Have you ever had sex when you knew a non-participating adult was watching?

LOL. Not a chance. If I ever did have sex in front of a non-participating person or group of people, then I would want to look like The Kahuna, and Dee Dee could look like, well, Dee Dee. She is my soul mate after all :-) So, when I get to look like that, I'll let all y'all know when the sexcapade will be on... Provided Dee Dee doesn't skin me alive first.

Back to running today! I've got thirty minutes of running on the plate. That should easily translate into 3 miles, give or take a couple of minutes. Sunday is going to be fun. I've got a nice long run and it is the first weekend of the Adult Men's Soccer league. Lot's of running for me on Sunday.

Finish strong!

Wes

ORN: TBD

Hot Lips Hustle 5K

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

One eye lid pops open and I reach over and hit the alarm clock. Crap. Don't fall back to sleep. I check my eyelids for cracks as Dee Dee hops out of bed and jumps into the shower. "What is up with that girl", I think. The football game last night went into 6 over times. The team didn't come into the restaurant until 11:15 PM, and we normally close at 11 PM. I could barely remember her comming to bed at 12:45 AM.

I allowed myself the luxury of lying in bed until Dee Dee got done with her shower. I got dressed using the clothes I had thoughtfully laid out beside my bed the night before, and I headed downstairs. I didn't feel like eating, but I remembered the good advice of my friends, and I fixed myself a bowl of Lucky Charms. :-) Sorry Michelle! I grabbed a bottle of water and waited for the sleepy headed boys to make their way downstairs and into the car. I quickly went through all my stuff. Registration? check. Map? check. Heart Rate monitor? check. Voodoo Man? check. We were good to go. Dee Dee and I left in seperate cars. We had to leave right from the race and take the boys to their soccer games.

We arrived at the church on time! We basically went right to it. It was fortunate the #1's former girlfriend lived in the area, so we knew right where we were going. We arrived on time (7:15 AM). We got our packets. Then Dee Dee and I warmed up. We were excited. There must have been a couple of hundred people racing, of all ages and sizes. As we shuffled up to the starting line, I made sure Dee Dee and I were towards the Back of the Pack and off to the side. I did not want to get mowed over. The starter gave his signal. The clock started, and we were off.

Start out slow. Start out slow. Don't burn yourself out the first mile. I looked at my watch. Heart rate was already 155. Slow down. I feel fine. I feel fine. Legs are strong. Lungs sucking plenty of air. I don't feel like my heart rate is 165. WTF!?!? I laughed as my heart rate plan went out the window. The course was nice. The weather was cool. I beamed inwardly as I was passed by teenager after teenager. The course was very smooth with gentle rolling hills.

I was pleased as I ran by the first mile marker and the volunteer called out: 9:37. That was respectable I thought, and I hoped for negative splits. By the end of the first mile and a half, I stopped being passed and started passing. I had not taken a walk break yet. I was running slow and steady. Left foot. Right foot. Good form. Efficient energy utilization. Breath. Breath. Breath. My maximum heart rate had climbed to 174. By the time I reached mile two, it never dropped below 170. Allow me to pause here. This was amazing to me! During training, if my heart rate climbed above 170, I got dizzy real fast. Today, it was like I didn't even notice. I was breathing heavily, but I didn't care. I could take it.

At mile two, my heart dropped. The volunteer called out: 20:39. Damn! That's 11:01. So much for the negative split, and now I was concerned. On the inside, I didn't really care if I did a sub-30 5K, but on the inside I REALLY REALLY wanted to. So, what did I do? I took a walk break. That's right. I took a walk break. I'm not sure how long it was. I didn't time it. I just allowed my heart rate to drop below 170, and then I took off again. I kicked it up a notch. I ran, and I ran, and then I walked. Again. This one I did time.
I allowed myself 15 seconds to catch my breath, then I gave it all I had. I finished the last third of the course or so at an extremely fast pace. My heart rate maxed out at 180, which was another suprise for me. As I crossed the finish line, I stopped my watch, looked down, and noted with grim satisfaction: 29:34. I had accomplished my goal. I myself didn't really believe it, but I had accomplished my goal. I am happy, but not satisfied :-)

Dee Dee and I hung around for the awards ceremony. #1 got a big kick out of taking pictures and hanging out with his friends. It seems the young lady that started this race had a cleft palette, and she goes to his school. #1's high school principal was there, four of his teachers, and a bunch of his friends. What a coincidence.

Dee Dee finished her race in 38:25, and being the good sport she is, she stopped on the way back and picked up a nineteen year old and helped her finish. What a gal! I think I'll marry her ;-)

We raised over five thousand dollars for the Smile Train this day. It costs $250.00 to fix a cleft palette. The before and after pictures are amazing. As much as I believe that running is an individual sport, sometimes you just got to step back and admit: it's not at all about me.

Wes

ORN: 3.1 miles, 29:34, race pace, 1: 9:37, 2: 11:01, 3: 8:54

This is It

I am at a loss for words. For once. I'm feeling strangely melancholy. I just returned from a 2 mile run. I started at 10 PM and finished in 21:37, which included about 5 minutes of walking. This was enough to stretch my legs out and remind them that they have a purpose this weekend.

How y'all feelin'?

Legs: We be fine.

Y'all gonna do alright in the race right? Ya know you have to carry me for 3.1 miles, 5 kilometers, 25-35 minutes, right?

Legs: We know.

You have my permission to totally ignore my wheezing and gasping.

Legs: K

You do, however, have to listen to my heart. I don't want to keel over on the race.

Legs: We won't, and you won't. There are two of us to carry you, ya know.

How'se achilles tendon? Mr. Knee? and Quadaloupe?

Legs: Not too shabby. AT is at about 95%. Knees pass muster. Quads are sittin pretty.

All systems go then?

Legs: All systems go. We will never surrender!

I've learned a few things these past 8 weeks or so. I've learned not to eat two bowls of red beans and rice before running 4 miles. I've learned from Darrel not to eat a burrito for the same reason. I've learned that I can indeed run longer and farther than I really ever have before. Like 6 miles. OMG! I've learned that there is time for me to be healthy and fit. I've learned that I've been something of an intravert these past 10 years or so, and I've missed out on a lot of great people out there in the world. That is a story for another day though.

Pre-race morning is all planned out. I will eat a little something before the race, even though I normally wouldn't. I will make sure I'm hydrated, as I don't plan on drinking anything while I run. I will arrive at the race approximately 45 minutes before it begins to pick up my packet. I want to walk/warm up for 5 minutes then run for about 10-12 minutes before the race. I have learned that if I stress my lungs out early, once they get back to normal I can exert more effort. I plan to start out slow, keep my heart rate below 150 for the first mile. I will keep it between 150 and 160 for the second mile, and for the third, I'm going to give it everything I have left.

My next post will be my first race report. OK, Rose. Here we go... Wish me luck!

Wes

BTW: Forgot to mention. Got Matthew and #1 son lined up to take pictures!!

ORN: 2 miles, 21:37, normal pace, Walk/Run first 4 minutes then all run

Some Pics

Getting slim and trim!






This is a picture of our crew for the first match. I was running the line on this one with a state ref!

Branching Out

I thought I would take things out on a lighter side today. My friend Vic over at Geekalicious keeps a very lively blog. So, today, I'm going to follow her lead and start you guys off with a little too much information. Here goes:

1. Do you leave a tip at a restaurant? If so, how much? Do you double the tax?

Being in the restaurant business, I know what it's like. I always start a waiter/waitress out at 20%. The worst tip I've ever left, I believe, was $5.00 on a $72.00 tab. Doubling the tax is an interesting idea, but no, I don't do that.

2. What celebrity did you have a crush on growing up?

Olivia Newton John. She is beautiful to this day.

3. Do you excuse yourself to “fart” or let it rip and blame the guy next to you?

I'm more of the "Silent but Deadly" type, and since I'm travelling with two boys, I usually let'er rip then blame it on them. Plus, since I have acid reflux, the tissue in my nasal passages is usually swollen, so I can't smell a thing. I can honestly say when asked, "Fart? I don't smell anything :-)"

4. When entering or exiting a store, do you hold the door open for the person behind you, if they're relatively close… if they're more than 10 steps away do you pause and hold the door open?

Always...

5. Ever had mono?

No, and I don't want to either. Nobody I know has either.

Bonus (as in optional): Ever paid for sex?

Yes. Every day. And that answer, boys and girls, will land me in the dog house as soon as Dee Dee finds out :-) ROFL.

I ran yesterday. I pulled one of my patented endurance runs! 4.7 miles at 14 minutes a mile. A good part of that was walking/waiting for Dee Dee Bug. She went out with me again and did 4 miles for the second night in a row! Go Dee Dee! All body parts checking in fine. Thigh muscles are a little sore. Still some pulling in the knee caps. Nothing serious.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna discuss my ideas for race preperation Saturday morning. I would be delighted if you would tell me how you prepare for a 5K either in your blog or in the comments section. Y'all have a great day!

Finish strong,

Wes

ORN: 4.7 miles, 66:15, 14 minute miles, R mostly/W as needed, easy pace (HR below 145)

Hope and Remembrance

I was in the car. On my way to work. The radio was talking about an "accident". Within fifteen minutes, it was apparent that it was no accident. I remember being angry, mad as hell that our beloved countrymen had to jump out of a 100 story high tower to keep from being burned to death. I am still angry. I am searching deep in my soul for hope, and I am having trouble finding any. I'm afraid I just don't have much faith, I guess, that all peoples the planet over can be reasonable at any given moment in time. Being reasonable is a matter of perspective. What little hope I do have, I will nurse it and cling to it in the hopes that someday it become something greater than its humble beginnings.

I don't want to turn this post or my blog into a political rant, but it is just plan foolish for any person to assume that the current strategy for fighting terrorism and the War in Iraq is the only or the "best" way. Driving the nation with blinders on can be a very bad thing.

On this day, September 11th, 2006, I share in the joy and sadness of the athletes at IM Moo. Trisaratops finished her race, and she is, indeed, an Iron(wo)man. I actually saw her cross the finish line over the internet, and it was a special treat for me. Unfortunately, Iron Wil did not make it. Complications arose at mile 9 of the marathon, and she couldn't make it past 19. I had already made it up in my mind that finishing or not didn't matter. Tri-ing is about a lot more than just a race. I look forward to following these two competitors in the future.

I'm still trying to decide whether or not to run today. I'm still a little sore, not much, but a little, and I think I could really use another day off. I'm thinking maybe I'll give it a try and see how I feel. If not, I won't do more than a mile or two.

In loving memory of our comrades...

Wes

ORN: TBD

On Easy Street

What a wonderful weekend. I arrived at my first game yesterday morning, and the weather was beautiful. The girls had a great game, and my club's team won. As a referee, this is not particularly noticable, but as a parent and club member, I'm always happy when my club team wins.

After the first game, I take off to the second. This was a "recreational game". I was thinking to myself. Oh, boy! U-14, U-15, who knows. Well, when I get to the field, it was U-19. I had 23 18 year old boys to babysit for 90 minutes. While the level of soccer isn't up to par with a U-17 Classic team, the kids know how to play soccer. They luv to run. And they come with the temper and psychology of the Classic U-19 players. LOL. Needless to say, I wasn't ready for the game, from a physical perspective. I gave the U-14 Athena game all my strength, and by the time I got to this game, I was just pooped. LOL. This was entirely my fault. I should have known. I should have prepared. I should have given those kids the game they desearved.

They had to settle for something between good, and real good :-)

Needless to say, I took the rest of the weekend off. I just can't remember the last time I was this sore. Dee Dee just went for a 4 mile run, and I had to let her go by herself :-( Damn. Just damn. So, I'm pushing back my endurance run until tomorrow. Since I am ahead of schedule, I may or may not do the 5.5 miles the training calls for. I will make that decision tomorrow. You see, adjustments is easy! And it is ALL about the journey. I want to be in top form Saturday, and I a NOT willing to risk anything for my first 5K. I'm ready. ( I am running for two now, right Rose? I will finish strong for the both of us! Sentimental old fool that I am!!!! :-)

As a side note, I was thinking the other day how 3 miles seems SO routine now. Imagine that. Me running 3 miles is routine. Holy Crap!

Finish strong!

Wes

BTW: The girls at Ironman Moo are battling horrible weather conditions. The spectators are in jackets and caps, and it is raining! People are dropping like flies. Keep Wil and Sara in your thoughts....

ORN: Sore, tired, beat....

Iron Week Day 4: Living Vicariously

Unless I'm on a Tuesday through Monday schedule, I think my numbering is off :-) Short weeks tend to play tricks with my mind, but my body is intimately aware that this week is short.

Not to worry though, People! My power nap yesterday and a good nights sleep did wonders for me. Did you know that there is only sixty calories in a watermelon martini? Whodda thunkit? Fortunately for me, on all accounts, there was enough Grey Goose and martini mix for one drink last night with dinner, which I ate around 10 PM (ouch!). I was a good boy and only had a bowl and a half of Jumbalaya (salad size bowl too!). I know my metabolism was ratcheted up, but I still think that most food that late at night goes right to the old fat cells.

I did get my run in. I was much less sore than yesterday, although my left knee just plain felt weak. I'm not sure what is causing that, but I get the feeling the miniscus under the knee cap may be getting a little rough around the edges. It's not bothering me at all today, but last night it twinged a bit. I'm going to stick with my plan. I have just two soccer matches scheduled for Saturday, and Sunday I will do either a 3 or 4 mile endurance run, depending on exactly how I feel. Then, its some sort of taper week before my first race. Start preparing yourself folks! I'm gonna need plenty of advice next week to get ready!

Here are my splits for last night. I ran at a nice comfortable pace. The last two miles I did without a walk break as well:

1. 12:11
2. 11:45
3. 10:55

This is a slight improvement over the previous night, when I was really sore. I'm fluctuating between an eight and six pound weight loss right now, which I think is pretty good, and I'm pretty much hungry all the time. What's up with that?? Is that good? :-)

Finally, as a final tribute to Wil and Sara, I would like to wish them Godspeed at Ironman Wisconsin this weekend. Just like running, triathalons are all about individual achievement. Letting this newbie tag along and be a part of their journey has just been special. In 2008, I too will be a triathlete, and if I don't kill myself, hopefully an Ironman. I have them to thank for turning me on to this exciting adventure. Be safe. Never give up. Finish strong.

Wes

ORN: 34:52, 3 miles, normal pace, 1st Mile R1/W1 x 2, R2/W1, all run

Iron Week Day 3: I Bonk, Therefore I Am

The blogs have gone silent. The girls have headed for Madison. I'm sure we'll be hearing from one or both of them soon. If we don't, I don't blame them!! They have a lot more on their mind than keeping us entertained.

The bad news is I bonked today. No, not in running. In life. My hard weekend, the running, the late nights with the kids and Dee Dee all caught up with me today. I don't think I was worth a ton of crap :-) I did manage to get some stuff done at work today, so I wasn't entirely useless. After six cups of coffee, I basically entered a vegetative state around 2 PM. Fortunately, I managed to get to soccer practice in one piece. I took a power nap in the car while I waited for Matthew to get done. See! I did learn something in the Army. If you can fall asleep in the back of a 5 ton driving 40 MPH in the freezing cold, you can fall asleep anywhere!

I'm at home right now, cooking Jumbalaya for the boys (Hey, Jodi!). I have to go back and pick up #1 at his practice at 8:30, and the food won't be ready till 8:15. Hmmmm. That doesn't leave much time for eating, and I really want to run again tonight, another three mile fun run, nice and slow. Maybe I'll eat when I get done with my run. These are the kinds of times where the important things really interfere with the important things...

Where there's a will, there's a way! I will run tonight. I will eat healthy. I will run safely. Tomorrow is another day.

Finish strong!

Wes

ORN: TBD

Iron Week Day 2

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender - Vince Lombardi

Sometimes you have to make yourself not give up. If you can motivate yourself past the mindset of breaking down and quitting, you can do anything.

I was motivated tonight. My body was not. When I got home from the restaurant, I wanted to run, so I convinced myself to have a nice, easy, three mile fun run, preferably one that did not turn into a tempo run. After tidying up a few loose ends around the house, I took off on my one mile loop. I left the heart rate monitor at home this time. I KNEW how fast I needed to run, and I didn't want to be distracted. Here are my splits:

1. 13:11 - Left knee pulling, both butt cheeks sore :-)
2. 12:08 - Muscles loosening up, took pressure off of left knee by pointing toe in a little
3. 10:59 - Felt good enough to lengthen my stride and let loose a bit

I averaged about 12 minute miles, which I thought was really good after all the running I did this weekend. I must admit, as well, that my first mile aways includes my W1/R1 x 2 followed by a W1/R2 cycle.

Ironman Moo is fast approaching....

Finish strong,

Wes

ORN: 36 minutes +/-, 3 miles, 12 minute pace, easy, Run 10/Walk 1, or there abouts

Iron Week Day 1

As most of you know, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman Moo as it is affectionately known as, is this weekend. So, I'm going to spend alot of time focusing on stuff dedicated to my friends and all the athletes that are laying it all out on the table.

Know this or not, I am a big U2 fan. I still, to this day, remember watching their Gloria video on MTV, when both were in their infancy. On their latest album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb", they sing a song that I think fits the Ironman philisophy well. The song is, "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own". If you take this song at face value, you would think it is a song about a lover, or a friend, and it is. In the context of my life, however, it is a song sung by the Spirit of the Ironman, superimposed over the physical shell, perhaps as the future Ironman stares at herself in the mirror.

Tough, you think you've got the stuff
You're telling me and anyone
You're hard enough

You don't have to put up a fight
You don't have to always be right
Let me take some of the punches
For you tonight

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

We fight all the time
You and I...that's alright
We're the same soul
I don't need...I don't need to hear you say
That if we weren't so alike
You'd like me a whole lot more

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

I know that we don't talk
I'm sick of it all
Can - you - hear - me - when - I -
Sing, you're the reason I sing
You're the reason why the opera is in me...

Where are we now?
I've still got to let you know
A house still doesn't make a home
Don't leave me here alone...

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you that makes it hard to let go
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
Sometimes you can't make it
The best you can do is to fake it
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

It still amazes me to this day that every one sees the truth through their own perspective. Thus, I say, truth is a matter of perspective. On the twentieth mile of the marathon, when she is exhausted beyond belief, the future Ironman must draw upon that inner spirit that defines her, and carries her to the finish.

*********

I would like to do three miles today. When I got out of the car at work, my muscles were so sore, I'm having second thoughts. We'll see. Last tournament I ran the day after and I was fine. It actually felt good to stretch them out, and if I keep my heart rate below 145, everything should be cool.

Finish strong!

Wes

A Personal Come Upance

OK, people. In case you didn't notice, I suffer from excessive exhuberance, a strong desire to help, and a sometimes bad habit of speaking my piece, even if it isn't asked for. I am entirely harmless. I totally realize that I am ingnorant. I totally realize that I am on the path to enlightenment. I totally realize that two watermelon martinis is about my limit after a tournament. If I offend anyone in the blogging world, I'm sorry.

If that ain't good enough for ya, kiss my butt, LOL :-) You guys freakin R-O-C-K.

Wes

Atlanta Cup Day 2

For the record, I have been reffing for about three weeks now. Been out in the sun a bit more than that. So, I turn a nice ruddy red, and I don't burn, exactly. I just have a ref's tan. I have the most beautiful tan from two inches above my elbow down to my finger tips, my face, and four inches on either side of my knee. So, so sexy!

I have NEVER been in this kind of shape this early in the season. I recovered nicely today. Once my muscles got warmed up, I had no trouble running the center, the line, then the center again. My first game today was kind of interesting. I had two teams that hadn't won a game. They weren't going through to the play offs. They had nothing to lose. They didn't come to play soccer. I issued 5 yellow cards in the first half. Needless to say, the kids got the message, and I only had to issue one yellow card during the second half, and I didn't need to send anyone off the field.

Tomorrow, I have a U-19 line finals, and a U-16G B Division finals. I'm so looking forward to centering the girls. I enjoy their matches the most. TTYL!

Finish strong!

Wes

Atlanta Cup Day 1

I am "Rock Lobster".

A Truth, Humbly

OK. My ass is not fat, according to Dee Dee. I'm just packing a keg, instead of a six pack :-)

Fun Run?!?! Riiiight!!! (Maniacal Laughter)

Ten days! Ten days people! In just ten days Wil and Trisaratops are going to jump into the lake and start Ironman Wisconsin. These two gals are a major reason that I got off my fat ass and started running. The tension is building. I am like a 5 year old child, dancing on the cold kitchen floor as mommy struggles to pull the prize out of the cereal box. Without their inspiration, I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't have known about this community and have all these new wonderful friends. Such a short time ago... Such a long journey...

Wil! Wil! Wil!

Sara! Sara! Sara!

You have touched so many people. You have changed our worlds...

What started out as a desire to run three miles, well, turned into another tempo run. I don't know what happened. I guess I got hooked on the idea of negative splits. Here they are:

1. 10:45
2. 10:19
3: 10:29

So I shaved about a minute off my previous three miles. I don't know if I'm happy with that. Don't know if I really care either. I just didn't have the energy to run up that last hill on the way home and get a third negative split.

That's right! I said, "Screw it!" Instantaneous adjustment! LOL.

Now my shins are a little sore, but that's OK. I got 9 games of soccer this weekend to ref, all U-17 Boys, and I won't get any more (organized) running in till Tuesday. Next week I'm changing my strategy and doing 3x3 miles, I think. Then the following week, I'll take it easy before the big race! More goosepimples. LOL.

Til Tuesday, y'all have a great weekend.

Finish strong!

Wes

ORN: 31:33, 3 miles, race pace, R4/W1 (Yes! Walk Breaks Rule!)